Transarterial-chemoembolization
Transarterial-chemoembolization (TACE) is a palliative treatment or bridging treatment for liver cancer, whether primary or metastatic. During TACE, anti-cancer drug(s) are injected directly into the artery that supplies blood to the tumor in the liver in combination with either beads, particles, other blocking agents, or other mixing agents like oil (lipiodol), to block off (embolize) the blood supply to the tumor. Therefore, TACE is a combination of local delivery of chemotherapy and a procedure to block of the blood supply to the tumor and trap the chemotherapy in the tumor. Sometimes, based on disease specifics, chemotherapy will not be used. Tumors growing in the liver receive almost all blood supply from the hepatic artery. Chemotherapy material injected into the hepatic artery in the liver reaches the tumor very directly. When the artery is blocked, nearly all of the blood supply is diverted away from the tumor, while the liver continues to be supplied by blood from the portal vein. The procedure allows much greater doses of chemotherapy than could be achieved with systemic treatment. It also allows the drugs to stay in the tumor for a longer time because the artery is blocked and no blood washes through. Side effects are decreased compared with systemic therapy.
Why UAB
The group uses the latest and most advanced technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans, to treat tumors as well as peripheral arterial, venous, urologic, and hepatobiliary diseases. Each of our five dedicated angiography suites has the full range of imaging technology needed for complex procedures, along with the latest in patient monitoring and documentation systems. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can provide access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area.
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CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
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- Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.